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LONDON - The Kookaburras demolished Spain 5-0 in a swashbuckling Olympic Games display yesterday.
Australia's men's hockey team eclipsed its 2008 Olympic semi-final conqueror to banish any ghosts of Beijing - and send a clear statement it is the team to beat for gold in London.
The Kookaburras are ranked world No. 1 for exactly what they showed at the Riverbank Arena in crushing the team rated their nearest rivals.
It was free-flowing hockey with swagger - especially in a wonderful first half in which Australia went to half-time 3-0 up with excellent goals from open play.
From the moment striker Russell Ford flicked in the Kookaburras' opener on nine minutes, it was clear they were in the mood to dominate.
As Spain was left grasping at stick-carrying shadows, the Kookaburras set up attacking moves galore.
Another found Matthew Butturini unmarked in front of goal, and he hammered home to give Australia a 2-0 lead after 14 minutes.
The Spaniards' woes deepened when they lost veteran star Pol Amat in first half to what appeared a shoulder injury after he tumbled over Australian defender Fergus Kavanagh.
Then busy midfielder Matt Gohdes's neat run down the right found Simon Orchard rocketing in on goal, and he connected with the deftest of touches to give Australia an unassailable lead.
Spain's best and virtually only chance came 10 minutes from time when a Sergi Enrique penalty corner was well saved by Kookaburras keeper Nathan Burgers.
Australia deservedly capped the rout with 90 seconds remaining when Tasmanian Eddie Ockenden's flat stick near goal guided home a well-worked penalty corner.
Australia can ensure a semi-final berth if it beats Argentina tomorrow.